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Get your personal driver's license history instantly and online. Find out what information is on your driving record with a BackgroundChecks.com Instant Motor Vehicle Report. Keep in mind, you can only run an instant motor vehicle report on yourself.

When your driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you can’t legally drive in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) suspends driver licenses because of driving record point accumulation and serious traffic violations.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In addition to any penalties the DMV may enforce, you may also be subject to criminal fines and penalties.

About Your Suspended License in TN

The most common reason for license suspension in Tennessee is point accumulation on your driving record. For each speeding ticket or other traffic infraction you get, you receive points on your record.

Once those points start to add up, you face license suspension by the Driver Improvement Section of the TN DOS. The Driver Improvement Section of the DOS can evaluate your driver record/fitness to drive and suspend your license if they believe you are unsafe.*

The TN DOS also suspends your license for reasons such as:

Frequent traffic violations.

Driving under the influence (DUI) or implied consent.

Physical and mental disabilities that impair your driving ability.

Failure to pay a citation.

Failure to establish financial responsibility.

Drag racing.

Driving away without paying for fuel.

As for points, you’ll receive a notice of proposed license suspension once you accumulate:

12 points within 12 months, if you’re an adult.

6 points within 12 months, if you’re a teen.

Once you receive this notice, you can schedule an administrative hearing. At this hearing, you’ll discuss whether taking a driver improvement course is an option. Many drivers are given the option to enroll in a state-approved defensive driving course to either avoid suspension or decrease their license suspension periods.

If you don’t schedule the hearing, or do schedule it but find out you’re not eligible for a driver improvement course, your license will be suspended. (See “How Long is My License Suspended?” below.)

* NOTE: In addition to any suspensions handed down by the TN DOS, you may also face criminal penalties.

How Long is My License Suspended?

Adults

For points-related suspensions, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months*, depending on your situation.

* Your judge might allowyou to take a driver improvement course in lieu of license suspension, or to shorten the amount of time your license is suspended.

Teens

For points-related suspensions, your suspension period depends on the number of points:

The TN DOS keeps this information on your record for 3 years; however, it’s important to periodically check your driving record to make sure it’s accurate and up to date. This is especially important when it comes to your car insurance (see below).

License Suspension and Your Car Insurance

You’ll need to file an SR-22, which is documentation stating you’re carrying the required amount of coverage. You may be required to have an SR-22 for as many as 5 years. For more information on SR-22s, please visit our TN Car Insurance page.

Second, having a suspended driver's license will affect any new auto insurance quotes you receive. Providers like drivers with clean records, meaning a poor record can result in higher rates or even denial of coverage.

Suspension Hearings and Appeals in TN

Hearings

Adults facing license suspension are given the option to request an administrative hearing, which is a hearing performed under the DOS Driver Improvement Program*. If an adult driver is notified of a proposed suspension and does not request a hearing, he will face suspension of his license.

In contrast, minor drivers (under 18 years old) must attend a hearing with a parent or legal guardian.

* Note that criminal hearings or penalties may also apply.

DMV.org Tip: Don't Face the Courts Alone!

If your license has been suspended, it's wise to have a knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney by your side to help you navigate the legal system. Click here for information about attorneys near you.

Appeals

If your license has been suspended under the DOS’s Driver Improvement Program at your hearing, you may be able appeal your suspension. Contact the TN DOS at (615) 251-5166.

DUI Suspensions in TN

Like other license suspensions not related to points accumulation, suspensions for driving under the influence (DUI) carry their own set of additional penalties and reinstatement processes.

For now, know that if you’re convicted of DUI, you face anywhere from 1 year to 10 years of license suspension, but you may also face other penalties, depending on your offense and situation, including:

Jail time.

Fines.

Requirement to pay restitution to those with injuries or personal loss.

Find an attorney in your area to help you with your DUI conviction or suspended license. Click here for more information.

Restricted TN Licenses

Similar to license reinstatement, obtaining a restricted driver’s license depends on your situation. Some drivers are eligible to obtain one if they have a suspended or revoked license; others can’t get one (or drive at all) until after their suspension periods are up.

Generally, you can apply for a restricted license UNLESS:

You’re not enrolled in a driver improvement course.

Your court order states you’re ineligible.

You have other outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations in Tennessee OR any other state.

Your license was suspended or revoked for DUI after July 1, 2000 and you already have a prior DUI, vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or other serious conviction on your record.

Apply for a Duplicate Restricted Driver’s License

Visit your local driver license station with the appropriate duplicate fee ($8 or $12 depending on your situation; call ahead) and the reason for the duplicate:

Residence changes.

Employment changes such as hours, location, or other requirements.

Fees for Reinstating Your TN License

Your reinstatement fee depends on the reason for your license suspension, revocation, or cancellation. However, you may be subject to additional fees; for example, a fee for not surrendering your suspended driver’s license may apply.